Georgia Conservancy Inc

Nonprofit Issues:

Environment

Address:

817 W Peachtree St Nw Ste 200 AtlantaGA30308USA

Mission:

To conserve Georgia's land and water.

Results:

•We submitted over 730 signatures to the Dawson County Commission in September 2011 in opposition of the reservoir proposal.
•In 2011, over 500 volunteers and trip participants helped us clear and maintain over 100 miles of beaches and trails.
•We spent over 1,700 hours working to protect Georgia's natural resources at the state capitol.
•In 2011, thanks in part to our new Land Conservation Initiative, USDA Conservation Programs saw a 170% increase in the value of land protected; 104% increase in the number of conservation easement applications received; and a 137% increase in the number of acres protected that year.
•Our land conservation program alone placed more than 3,500 acres of highly-ecologically valuable land into permanent conservation in 2011.

Geographic areas served:

Georgia

Programs:

Blueprints for Successful Communities
Land Conservation
Stewardship and Outreach
Advocacy

GreatNonprofits News

Reviews for Georgia Conservancy Inc

There is no more effective advocate for the natural resources of the entire state than the Georgia Conservancy. At a time when some discussions involving the environment tend to produce more heat than light, the voice and activities of the Georgia Conservancy are thoughtful, balanced and respectful. As a result, the Georgia Conservancy achieves real measurable outcomes for the environment while promoting sustainable economic growth for the state. In addition, it provides very enjoyable and instructive activities for its members which help to create a broader awareness of Georgia's natural resources.

Will you tell others about this organization?

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

Mission, vision and passion. The team at Goergia Conservancy exhibits all of these. And the entire organiation including the members and volunteers all work together to support the importamt mission of protecting the land and water of Georgia. I hope everyone in Georgia will take the time to learn about Georgia Conservancy and get out into this beautiful state and understand for themselves why the GC mission is important.

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When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

I got involved in The Georgia Conservancy because of its practical, progress-oriented approach to protecting Georgia's unique natural resources, promoting sustainable growth practices and advancing sound environmental policy. Unlike many flame-throwing special interest groups that rely on stoking peoples' fears to attract support, the Conservancy instead leads and achieves results by (i) convening diverse interests to identify common ground, (ii) building on consensus among diverse interests to achieve policy advancements and constructive change on a sustained basis, and (iii) making sure that policy advancements, one enacted, are not rolled back. Making informed judgements that balance science, the political environment and economic considerations, the Conservancy embraces incremental progress over the short-to-intermediate term as a means of achieving broader and more material environmental protections over the long term. In today's era of extremist-led, divisive politics, where "all-or-nothing" approaches increasingly yield "nothing" as opposed to "all," the Conservancy's balanced, measured approach is an exemplary model for achieving solutions to complex, contentious public policy iniatives.

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As one of the fast growing states in the nation, Georgia has many challenges when it comes to the conservation of natural resources and solving environmental problems. Georgia is blessed with abundant natural resources and the Georgia Conservancy works hard to find sustainable solutions to our growth. Saying "no" is easy but looking for well reasoned solutions to the environmental challenges we face is hard. But it is in this space that the Georgia Conservancy acts. It is regarded as one of the best problem solving environmental groups and is well respected within our State for the work it does.

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

Georgia Conservancy is an amazing organization that I will volunteer and assist however and whenever I can. I am an African American woman who was so very happy when I found Georgia Conservancy. They have helped to bring the beautiful outdoors to me, like never before! They have sparked my environmental awareness of water conservation and land conservation. I have become a better steward and more conscientious about my environment. My most favorite adventure,(because when you go out with Ga Conservancy, you will have a FUN adventure, yes, even when working!) We went to beautiful Ossabaw Island. I NEVER had so much fun working hard and meeting amazing people (and whole families) We cleaned up the gorgeous marsh and beach,scrubbed down the bunk house from windows to porch inside and out, built picnic tables, and took a tour of the island. The highlight was standing on the porch as a herd of WILD DONKEYS, yes! Wild Donkeys ran pass as I stood on the porch! There were all kinds of animals running around. My friends wait anxiously for me to post my adventures about the wonderful natural resources right here in the great state of Georgia!

How much of an impact do you think this organization has?

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

First, let me tell you all the selfish reasons that I am a part of the Conservancy. The member trips are fantastic, I get to know places that are off the beaten path or that have limited public access. The trips are well planned and well supported, special dietary needs are considered in meal planning, camping equipment and boats are made available for those who don't own them and there is always an educational component so I really learn about the area. There is a great sense of community on these trips as well and I have met great friends on the Conservancy trips. The members are smart, active and share an interest in outdoor activities and ecology. Because of my participation in the conservancy I paddle and camp with friends that I may never have crossed paths with in my regular travels. Now the greater benefits of being involved with the Conservancy. On my own I can pick up a little trash but when I partner with the Conservancy we can remove a ton of trash from our rivers in one morning, we can build trails or picnic tables or clean and repair buildings or support a historical festival. Partnering with the GA Conservancy gives me scope to use my time, talents and energy to protect and improve the environment that is so important to me. There are opportunities available to the group that would not be available to an individual and there is a multiplier effect for labor, monetary contributions and our voices. GA Conservancy provides the research and resources for becoming politically involved in our environment. There are well reasoned statements and links to further information available for current ecological issues that our lawmakers are actively considering. Finally, I am a part of the GA Conservancy because it is so easy to be involved and there are events to appeal to a wide variety of interest. Myself, I peruse the website and plan more of my life than I should admit around their upcoming trips and if I have a open day on the weekend I look at their Meetup group The Georgia Outdoor Stewards to see if there is an event scheduled. If I have company I often take them to Conservancy events with me because I know the quality of the events is high and we will have a great time. If you love being outdoors and you live in Georgia then you need to be a part of the Georgia Conservancy, it is as simple as that.

Would you recommend this group to a friend?

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

Ga Conservancy does such an awesome job helping fellow Georgians become aware of all the natural resources Ga has to offer. Regular updates on environmental issues important to Georgians and timely reminders of the incredible trips they plan for all explorers from all walks of life to participate in. How else would you see Cumberland Island, Sapelo, Cloudland Canyon, the Flint River, the Altamaha, snorkeling inthe Conasaug and many more of Georgia's treasures, upclose and personal! Ga. Conservancy is life-changing!

How much of an impact do you think this organization has?

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

The Georgia Conservancy leads fun and educational trips throughout the state of Georgia. I've enjoyed every single trip I've been on. The service trips are a great way to give back while having a good time with an interesting group of people.

Would you recommend this group to a friend?

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

I have participated in several trips sponsored by the Georgia Conservancy and I am constantly amazed how the organization is able to infuse their advocacy, land conservation, sustainable growth and coastal habitat preservation programs into fun, affordable and easily accessible hikes, paddles, camping and service trips. The staff is kind, knowledgeable and always willing to educated. By partnering with other organizations, they are able to expose those whom normally would not be in touch with the natural environment. It is not uncommon for transportation, food, lodging (cabin, tent... etc) or gear to be provided or included in the trip donation rates.